PONDA: The breakdown of the lift in the four-story Government administrative building at Tisk-Ponda, which houses several important offices including the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, Excise, Block Development Officer, PWD’s National Highways wing, the treasury, and civil supplies, caused significant inconvenience to the public on Thursday. The lift, which is frequently used by visitors and staff, suddenly became defunct, leading to difficulties for those needing to access various offices.
Locals visiting the building for official work expressed frustration, noting that the lift frequently malfunctions, causing regular disruptions. Sources indicated that low voltage and the lift's low-capacity battery are often the culprits behind these breakdowns. There have been calls for the authorities to find a permanent solution to this recurring problem.
When contacted, an official from the building acknowledged the issue but assured that the PWD staff carries out immediate repairs whenever a problem arises. He confirmed that the lift is currently back in working condition.
In addition to the lift problem, visitors to the Administrative Building also raised concerns about the presence of cow dung from stray cattle at the building's entrance. This not only causes an unpleasant environment swarming with flies, but also poses a slipping hazard, potentially leading to injuries. People have suggested the installation of a proper gate to prevent stray cattle from entering the premises.
While the shabby state of the administrative complex is reminiscent of Margao’s Osia Complex where citizens face similar problems, there were also calls for better maintenance of the building, including regular upkeep of toilet facilities, to ensure a more comfortable experience for the public visiting the offices.